Benitez will stay in Anfield hotseat and resist wads of cash from Italian giants Juve
Rafael Benitez's agent has insisted the Liverpool boss wants to stay in the Anfield hotseat after all.

Speculation was growing about the stroppy Spaniard’s commitment to the Reds, with the ex-Valencia coach publicly refusing to rubbish rumours he was looking to leave.

The stories continued to gain momentum as Liverpool’s season lurched from crisis to crisis this this season, with Juventus reportedly offering Benitez a big-money deal.  And at the start of this week his future remained shrouded in uncertainty as the Anfield boss prepared for crunch talks with new chairman Martin Broughton.

Benitez is set to meet his new boss to discuss the future for the first time this week, just as the Turin giants supposedly press the Spaniard to give an answer to their offer of a four-year contract worth $24million to take charge of the Serie A club.

But Benitez’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, is sure his man, who has a contract with Liverpool until June 2014,  wants to stay
at Anfield.

“We have not received any offers from any club. Benitez’s aim is to remain at Liverpool and try to help the team improve with new owners,”  Quilon revealed. “He is under contract and his wish is to remain at Liverpool.”

But with star striker Fernando Torres likely to be a transfer target for several clubs, including Manchester City, following Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, Benitez will be keen to find out how much money will be available to rebuild a squad that has seriously under-achieved this season before committing to the Reds.

Liverpool have debts of more than $300 million, but Benitez is believed to be determined to ensure Broughton will give him all proceeds from player sales during the close-season to reinvest in the team.

The lack of clarity over Benitez’s situation may have contributed to Liverpool’s lacklustre performances in recent weeks, with midfield maestro Yossi Benayoun and Brazilian midfielder Lucas both hinting they are unhappy with the situation.

Benayoun (left) admitted he may leave in the close-season, while Lucas conceded the players were well aware of the uncertainty. “It is difficult to speak about next season, as we don’t know what changes there will be with the players or the staff,” Benayoun said.  “I don’t know whether I will be here or if I won’t. In a few weeks we will know better.” And Lucas also revealed his unhappiness with the lack of assurances from the club.

“Everyone is aware of the doubts over Rafa’s future.

But we do not know what is going to happen.”